Background: The aim of this study is to compare the influence of hand hygiene policies on Healthcare workers (HCWs) in the emergency rooms between two tertiary general hospital at the area of Athens. Hand hygiene policies were launched in both Institutions.

Patients and Methods: To evaluate the impact of hand hygiene policies in the emergency rooms of two tertiary hospitals named A (400 beds) and B (330 beds), behaviour of physicians and nurses regarding the use of gloves and the use of alcohol-based hand-rubs was assessed by two independent observers via a standardised registry form. The study was conducted during a two month period. Alcohol based hand-rubs have been installed on the tables in every room. Results were analysed by chi-square and fisher exact tests for categorical variables.

Results: Physicians of Hospital A were more prompt to use gloves than physicians of Hospital B [26/53 (49%) vs 55/182 (30.2%), p = 0.01]. No difference in the use of gloves was observed between nurses of Hospital A (27/47, 57.4%) and nurses of Hospital B (72/109, 66%). Nearly all HCWs were changing gloves between each patient. Among physicians who did not wear gloves, the rates of those that did not use antiseptic were similar in both hospitals [Hospital A, 13/27 (48.2%), Hospital B, 87/127 (68.5%), pNS]. Nurses were equally not using antiseptic before and after contact with the patients in both Hospitals. However, in Hospital A, nurses applied more frequently antiseptic after contact with the patient than nurses in hospital B [Hospital A, n = 11/20 5 (55%), Hospital B, 2/109 (1.8%), p < 0.001].

Conclusions: Despite the same policies regarding hand hygiene which were applied in both hospitals A and B, compliance of HCWs with the appropriate use of antiseptic on hands was extremely low in the emergency rooms. Special issues for the emergency room and continuous surveillance and education are required in order to change compliance of HCWs with hand hygiene and enhance the infection control.